Amazon accepts checking account payments through a saved payment method, but not directly at checkout

Amazon does not let you enter your checking account number and routing number at the moment you buy something. Instead, you add your bank account to your Amazon account in advance, and then choose it as your payment method when you order. The process takes about five minutes and requires your bank's routing number, your account number, and a valid mailing address.

Once your checking account is linked, Amazon treats it like any other payment method — you can use it for purchases, subscriptions, and Prime membership renewal. Amazon will verify the account by making two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your checking account within one to two business days, then asking you to confirm those amounts to prove you own the account.

Key Takeaways

  • You must add your checking account to your Amazon account before you can use it to pay, which takes about five minutes and requires your routing and account numbers.
  • Amazon verifies new bank accounts by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, a process that takes one to two business days.
  • Once verified, your checking account works like any other saved payment method and can be used for one-time purchases, subscriptions, and Prime renewals.
  • If verification fails or your bank declines the connection, you can try adding the account again or contact Amazon Customer Service for help.

Steps to add your checking account to Amazon

Start by signing into your Amazon account on a computer or the mobile app. Go to Account & Lists, then select Your Account. Look for the section labeled Login & Security or Payment Options (the exact name varies by region). Click Add a payment method or Manage payment methods.

Choose Bank Account from the list of payment types. Enter your full name as it appears on your bank account, your routing number, and your account number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on the bottom left of any check, or by calling your bank. Your account number is usually on the bottom of your checks as well, or in your online banking portal. Add your mailing address if Amazon asks for it, then click Add Your Bank Account.

Amazon will tell you that two small deposits are on the way. Check your checking account in one to two business days for these deposits — they usually arrive as pending transactions first, then clear. The amounts are typically between 1 and 99 cents each. Once you see them, return to Amazon and enter both amounts in the verification screen. Amazon will confirm your account is linked.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you open Amazon: your full legal name (as it appears on your bank account), your nine-digit routing number, and your account number. You will also need a valid mailing address on file with Amazon.

If you do not have a check handy, you can find your routing number by logging into your bank's website or mobile app — it is usually listed under account details or settings. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number; they will provide it in seconds. Your account number is in the same places.

Make sure the name you enter matches your bank account exactly. If your bank account is under "Robert James Smith" but you enter "Bob Smith," the verification may fail. Similarly, double-check your routing and account numbers for typos before submitting.

How Amazon verifies your checking account

After you submit your information, Amazon sends two small deposits to your checking account. These deposits appear within one to two business days, though some banks may take longer. The amounts are random and typically between 1 and 99 cents — for example, one might be $0.47 and the other $0.82.

Once you see both deposits in your account, return to Amazon and enter the two amounts in the verification screen. Be exact: if the deposits were $0.47 and $0.82, enter them in the order Amazon asks for. After you confirm, Amazon will mark your account as verified, and you can use it to pay for orders immediately.

If you do not see the deposits after three business days, check your spam or promotions folder in your email — Amazon may have sent a notification there. If you still cannot find them, contact Amazon Customer Service and ask them to resend the verification deposits or try a different payment method.

Using your checking account to pay for orders

Once your account is verified, you can choose it at checkout. When you place an order, look for the payment method section and select your bank account from the list of saved methods. Amazon will process the payment directly from your checking account, usually within one to three business days.

Your checking account will also appear as an option when you renew your Prime membership, purchase a subscription (like Subscribe & Save), or set up automatic payments for any service. You can change your default payment method at any time in your Account settings.

Transactions from Amazon appear on your bank statement with "AMAZON" or "AMZN" in the description. If you need to dispute a charge or request a refund, contact Amazon Customer Service first — they handle refunds faster than your bank does.

What to do if verification fails

If Amazon tells you the verification failed, the most common reasons are a typo in your routing or account number, a mismatch between the name on your Amazon account and the name on your bank account, or your bank blocking the deposits for security reasons.

Try adding the account again, paying close attention to spelling and numbers. If it fails a second time, contact your bank and ask if they blocked the deposits from Amazon. Some banks flag unfamiliar transactions as suspicious; your bank may need to approve the connection manually. Once your bank approves it, try adding the account to Amazon again.

If your bank says they did not block anything and Amazon still will not verify the account, contact Amazon Customer Service. They can see the exact error your bank returned and may be able to help you troubleshoot. In the meantime, you can use a credit card, debit card, or gift card to make purchases.

Removing or updating your checking account

If you want to stop using a checking account on Amazon, go to Account & Lists, then Your Account, then Login & Security or Payment Options. Find the bank account in your list of payment methods and click Delete or Remove. Amazon will ask you to confirm; once you do, the account is removed and you cannot use it to pay.

If your bank account number changes (for example, if you close the account and open a new one), you will need to add the new account to Amazon and go through verification again. The old account will not work automatically.

If you want to update the name or address on an existing bank account, you usually cannot do that directly in Amazon. Instead, remove the old account and add the new one with the correct information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Amazon to verify my checking account?

The two verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once you see them and enter the amounts into Amazon, verification is instant. The entire process from adding the account to using it typically takes two to four business days.

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Amazon's bank account option is designed for checking accounts, but some savings accounts work if they have a routing number and account number. Try adding your savings account the same way you would a checking account. If Amazon accepts it and the verification deposits arrive, you can use it to pay.

What happens if I enter the wrong verification amounts?

Amazon will tell you the amounts are incorrect and ask you to try again. You have multiple attempts to enter the correct amounts. If you cannot find the deposits or remember the amounts, contact Amazon Customer Service and ask them to send new verification deposits.

Is it safe to give Amazon my routing and account numbers?

Amazon uses encryption to protect your banking information, the same way your bank does. Your account number and routing number are no more at risk with Amazon than they are when you write a check or set up automatic bill payments. If you are concerned, you can always use a credit card or debit card instead.

Can I use my checking account to pay for Amazon Prime?

Yes. Once your checking account is verified, you can use it to renew your Prime membership or pay for any subscription service through Amazon. Select your bank account as the payment method when you renew or sign up.